Prescott Economic Development has access to business & market data through partnerships with leading providers, and can provide custom analysis to businesses. This data can help you identify potential new or emerging markets, and identify opportunities for local or regional growth.

Contact us to learn more. 

Community Futures Grenville offers free one-on-one business advice to support entrepreneurs at any stage. Whether you need guidance on a new idea or a fresh perspective on your current operations, they're available to help.

Connect with their Business Advisor, Darren, for a casual conversation or to schedule an appointment.

Click here to contact Darren at CF Grenville and learn more: Business Advice

Leeds Grenville Small Business offers a variety of services to support small business owners, including expert advice on business planning and funding, access to valuable resources, and a platform for connecting with government and private sector programs. They also host workshops, events, and training programs to help business owners grow and succeed. For more information, visit their website.

BDC experts can address your business challenges and equip you with the knowledge, know-how and tools to manage every function of your business with confidence.

South Grenville Chamber of Commerce

The South Grenville Chamber of Commerce supports businesses in the South Grenville region by offering networking opportunities, resources, and advocacy. Their goal is to foster a strong, vibrant business community in Prescott, Augusta, and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. For more information, visit South Grenville Chamber of Commerce.

Downtown Prescott Business Improvement Area

The Downtown Prescott BIA supports local businesses by offering resources, programs, and initiatives to help them grow and thrive. From promotional opportunities to community events and business development support, the BIA is dedicated to fostering a vibrant downtown. For more information, visit Downtown Prescott BIA.

Community Futures Grenville offers tailored business loans to help businesses in Grenville County, including Prescott, manage operational costs, purchase equipment, and improve cash flow. These loans can be used for a variety of business needs, including real estate financing and inventory financing. With flexible repayment terms, low-interest rates, and no prepayment penalties, the program supports both new and existing businesses in navigating financial challenges and expanding their operations. For more details, you can reach out to their Business Loans Officer.

Learn more at Community Futures Grenville.

The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program offers financial support for businesses and property owners in Prescott to enhance downtown areas, employment lands, heritage properties, and brownfield sites. The program provides non-repayable grants, tax incentives, and interest-free loans for projects such as building renovations, accessibility improvements, and environmental remediation. It aims to stimulate local revitalization, increase housing availability, and boost economic growth.

For more details, visit the CIP Incentive Program page.

The BDC's Pivot to Grow Loan helps Canadian businesses navigate the effects of U.S. tariffs by offering financial support to offset costs, preserve cash flow, and adapt supply chains. Businesses exporting to the U.S. or part of the affected supply chain can access up to $2 million to manage these challenges and continue growing.

For more details, visit BDC's Pivot to Grow Loan page.

The EDC Trade Impact Program offers an additional $5 billion over two years to support eligible Canadian exporters and their suppliers.

Benefits include:

• Trade Credit Insurance for protection against non-payment.
• Currency Risk Solutions to stabilize costs and margins.
• Increased Working Capital through EDC guarantees.
• Financing for Global Expansion to grow and enter new markets.

Ready to meet increased demand, the program helps businesses navigate changing trade conditions.

The Work-Sharing Program helps employers avoid layoffs when business activity declines due to factors beyond their control, such as U.S. tariffs. It allows businesses to temporarily reduce employees' work hours while eligible workers receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to partially offset lost wages.

Temporary Special Measures (March 7, 2025 – March 6, 2026)

To support businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs, the Work-Sharing Program has introduced special measures, including:

• Expanded eligibility for businesses operating in Canada for at least one year
• A minimum of two EI-eligible employees agreeing to reduced hours and work-sharing

How It Works

Employers, employees, and Service Canada enter an agreement to:

• Share available work instead of layoffs
• Provide EI benefits (up to 55 percent of average weekly insurable earnings) to employees
• Maintain workforce stability while the business recovers

How to Apply and More Information

Visit the Work-Sharing Program webpage for details on eligibility, application steps, and FAQs.

For questions or assistance, contact the Work-Sharing Employer Inquiry Unit at:
edsc.dgop.tp.rep-res.ws.pob.esdc@servicecanada.gc.ca

Additional Support

Employers can also access Service Canada’s Community Outreach and Liaison Service (COLS) for:

• Information sessions on Work-Sharing and EI benefits
• Support for employees affected by layoffs
• On-site assistance for EI applications

For more details, visit: Work-Sharing Program - Overview - Canada.ca

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) is now accepting applications for businesses in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. The application period is open from March 19th to May 21st, 2025, with funding decisions expected by August 14th, 2025.

The EODF is available to support businesses considering large capital investment projects, providing financial assistance to help offset some of the associated costs.

For more information on eligibility and to apply, please visit the official EODF page: Eastern Ontario Development Fund.

The Canada Tariff Finder helps Canadian businesses determine import and export tariffs for specific goods and markets, particularly in countries with Free Trade Agreements.

The tool displays standard tariff rates for all nations and highlights Canada's preferential rates under trade agreements, including any phased reductions.

Click here to learn more.

Starting March 4, 2025, the Canadian government imposed a 25% tariff on $30 billion worth of goods from the U.S. These tariffs apply to goods originating from the U.S. and will remain until the U.S. removes its tariffs on Canadian products. U.S. goods in transit when the tariffs take effect are exempt.

List of products from the United States subject to 25 per cent tariffs effective March 4, 2025 - Canada.ca

The Government of Canada is establishing a framework for reviewing tariff remission requests on U.S. products, effective March 4, 2025. Remission may provide tariff relief or refunds in cases where:

• Domestic or non-U.S. alternatives for essential inputs are unavailable.
• Exceptional circumstances could severely impact the Canadian economy.

Need more information on what to include and how to submit? Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/international-trade-finance-policy/process-requesting-remission-tariffs-that-apply-on-certain-goods-us.html

The Federal Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian exporters navigate challenges posed by U.S. tariffs. The service offers guidance on how tariffs affect businesses, identifies new market opportunities, and connects exporters with relevant contacts and resources. Additional support includes export diversification, funding, and strategic programs tailored to help businesses mitigate tariff impacts. To learn more, access frequently updated resources and tools on the TCS website.